Graduation

The music plays. The students walk down the aisle with cap and gown. The hours of homework, studying, testing, and school work have finally paid off. They hear their names called and walk across the stage to receive their long awaited diploma. Today is graduation day!

Do you know someone who is graduating this year? Maybe you, yourself, are a graduate. This time in May is considered a bitter-sweet moment to many. It is sweet because of the great rejoicing due to such an accomplishment but perhaps bitter because of the closing on this part of a graduate’s life. Whether you are a graduate or a friend of a graduate this can be a time of encouragement and learning.

Tips for the Graduate:

-          In your joy of graduating and talking about your accomplishments, do not forget to thank those in your life that have made your gradation possible. Maybe there was a teacher in elementary, middle, or high school that really helped you or maybe there was a coach or mentor that impacted you. Or perhaps it was your friends and family members who always stuck by you. No matter who it was that helped you, take time to go and thank that person for the influence and assistance they have been in your life.

-          Right now the future looks bright. There is excitement in the air about graduation and starting new things next Fall. But remember to keep in touch with your parents, family, and friends. They are your teammates that can help you. Your parents, especially, have been where you are. Look to them for advice. They love you and want the best for you.

Tips for the friends and family of the graduates:

-          The greatest gift that you could probably give your graduate is a gift of wisdom. Share something personal with them. It could be a lesson that you learned from a life experience, a special skill that has greatly benefited you in life, a life principle that you live by, or a book that has influenced you. Material gifts are great but gifts of wisdom are things that will last a lifetime.

-          Remember to keep in touch with your graduate after they go to college or leave home. They may think that it is exciting to go away from home and make new friends but the fact of the matter is that they still need you. Especially you parents, they still need your guidance and input in their lives.

Whether you are a graduate or a friend of a graduate, graduation is a time that we all look forward to. Let us all seek ways that we can be a blessing to those around us. Congratulations 2013 graduates!

Hanna Sims, Teen Blogger